The South Pasadena Police Department published its monthly neighborhood watch newsletter for September, calling attention to the growing trend of identity thefts, gardening equipment thefts and burglaries to homes under construction.
IDENTITY THEFTS
Identity theft continues to be a growing crime and covers a wide range of fraud from obtaining a loan to using one’s identity for employment, the SPPD said.
Some victims are unaware that they are victims until long after the crime has been committed. Thieves can obtain a victim’s personal information from simply stealing mail to purchasing a victim’s information from the dark web of the internet.
“Phishing” emails also are becoming more common. These emails resemble legitimate businesses and ask the victim to click a link to resolve an issue. The links lead the victim to a fake website that also resembles a legitimate business, and then asks the victim to enter personal information.
Thieves will also call victims and pose as computer technicians or bank employees. Posing as a computer technician, they will tell the victim that their computer is infected and needs remote access. Once access is granted, the thief can search the hard drive for information. Posing as a bank employee, the thief will say a bank account is compromised and ask for personal information to close the account.
“If you think your account is compromised, call your bank at the number on the back of your card. Monitoring your credit is a great way to spot identity theft,” SPPD said.
To obtain a free credit report once a year visit annualcreditreport.com.
GARDENING EQUIPMENT THEFTS
“We have seen a rise in thefts of gardening equipment, specifically leaf blowers, lawn mowers and hedgers from the rear bed of gardeners’ pickup trucks,” SPPD said.
The thefts occur during the daytime while the gardener is working in the side or rear yard of a house. The suspect will drive next to the gardener’s vehicle and quickly remove the equipment from the bed of the truck. The suspect may also have a bolt-cutter to cut any chain securing the equipment to the truck.
“Remind your gardeners to be cautious of these types of thefts and to take the following precautions: Lock doors to vehicles when working around the home; record make, model, color and serial number of power tools; take photos of all your tools; and use strong locks to secure gardening tools to your truck,” police said.
BURGLARIES TO HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Several recent residential burglaries have occurred while the victims’ homes were under construction or remodel.
Each year it is estimated that more than $1 billion worth of construction tools and materials are stolen from construction sites.
“Besides the monetary costs, these burglaries also affect the victim as it delays the job completion time,” SPPD said, noting that burglars target building materials like wood, tile and copper pipes. When the house is near completion, burglars will target appliances, light and plumbing fixtures.
Securing a house under remodel can be difficult, depending on the stage of construction. Until windows and doors can secure the house, a good security fence should always be used. Temporary security cameras can also be installed. Post signs at the front indicating that surveillance cameras are in use. At night, be sure to have good lighting.
Have neighbors help keep an eye on a residence not being occupied. Burglars will often come at night, so know the city construction times (Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays and city recognized holidays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
“Be cautious if you see any worker during prohibited hours, they may be thieves posing as a worker,” police said.
First published in the September 29 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
